We are committed to expanding learners’ knowledge and skills, giving them the tools they need to create positive change in their own lives as well as the lives of others. We know that life is unpredictable, but we believe that with the appropriate training and ongoing skill development, life’s twists and turns can be enriching, empowering, and even career-advancing.
We also know that some of our most motivated, engaged learners need financial support to benefit from our dynamic programming. Thanks to the generosity of our donors, SCS is able to support learners through our awards and bursaries programs.
Bursaries
We have been proud to offer a bursary program since 2012, which supports students experiencing financial challenges. Offering these bursaries would not be possible without the support of our donors, including many of SCS’ own staff members.
| Bursary | Application form |
|---|---|
| SCHOOL OF CONTINUING STUDIES BURSARY | SCS has made the difficult decision to end our School of Continuing Studies bursary program for the time being, and will not be accepting applications for the Fall 2024 or Winter 2025 terms. |
| ACADEMY FOR LIFELONG LEARNING BURSARY | Applications for this bursary for the Winter 2025 term will open later in the year. |
Awards
In addition to our bursary program, we recognize extraordinary achievements through our awards program. Established through generous gifts, including several made by our own instructors, these merit-based awards offer talented individuals the opportunity to strengthen their résumés, advance in their careers, and be inspired to take on new challenges. Winners of our awards are honoured at celebration events held throughout the year.
| Award | Details and Application Forms |
|---|---|
MARILYNN BOOTH AWARD OF EXCELLENCE Established in 2017 Value: up to six awards of $1,000 annually This award was established in honour of former Dean Marilynn Booth upon her retirement from SCS. Primary donors to this award include U of T staff, partners, and friends of SCS. The Marilynn Booth Award recognizes career-focused learners who have demonstrated academic success, personal commitment, and exemplary leadership. | The application period is now closed.
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THE JANICE COLBERT POETRY AWARD Created by award-winning poet Janice Colbert, a graduate of the Creative Writing Certificate Program, this award is open to students who have taken at least one creative writing course in the previous year. | The application period is now closed.
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THE MARINA NEMAT AWARD FOR CREATIVE WRITING Thanks in part to the generosity of writer Marina Nemat, this award is given each year to the most outstanding Final Project of a Creative Writing Certificate student. Winners are chosen by a panel of Canadian publishing-industry professionals. | No application process.
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PENGUIN RANDOM HOUSE CANADA STUDENT AWARD FOR FICTION This generous award supports emerging writers (learners) taking Creative Writing courses at SCS. The competition for this endowed award is open to all creative writing learners who have taken a course in the previous year. | The application period for 2024 is now closed.
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THE ELAINE STIRLING CORPORATE STORYTELLER AWARD FOR BUSINESS WRITING Writer, corporate consultant and business communications instructor Elaine Stirling established this award in 2018 to recognize exceptional business writing. This award is open to professionals who have demonstrated the impact that storytelling can have, whether in the form of a business proposal, a successful marketing campaign, a pitch, or any other form of narrative in the workplace. | The application period is now closed.
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